The Shang dynasty began its reign in 1766, when the Xia dynasty was overthrown by one of its own, who had become dissatisfied with the way the empire was ruling. We have been able to discover so much about this dynasty due to its being one of the earliest with archaeological remnants. With the help of religious bronze artifacts and oracle bones excavated from homes, storage pits, and tombs, we have a greater understanding of the manner in which the ancient Chinese conducted their day-to-day lives, and of the GREATS that comprised their society.
Map showing the exterior boundaries of the Shang Dynasty's land.
Government
Shang was like a King, and he ruled over a large area of land in the North China Plain.
They emphasized power and the laws so that people know the law is more important than individual interests.
Shang was a legalists and thought that all humans were selfish and the only way to control them was to make laws and enforce them strictly.
He also led armies, usually in the thousands, that had bronze weapons and two-horsed chariots.
Even though he has a large army, he did not spread influence using violence.
Religion
The Shang people had nature and ancestor spirits who determined the future
The king (also chief priest) would carve questions into "oracle bones" about weather, travel, war, etc., then burn it and read the cracks for answers
They designed pictures/stories from their religion on bronze
Cities grew around temples, which were usually on raised ground
A bronze piece of pottery, exemplatory of the ornate detailing typical of early Chinese metal work.
Economy
Shang dynasty's economy is heavily based on agriculture, which was all performed by slaves in the lower class.[1]
Higher class artisans made jewelry, weapons, and silk.
There is evidence that Shang built cities in the northern China in parts of the Yellow River, it is called the Yellow River Civilization. They were Bronze people.
About 1650 B.C the Shang gained control of the corner of the Northern China along the Hung He.
They dominated this region until 1027 B.C.
There social classes mirrored other early civilizations, the royal class was noble warriors who owned land, many people were peasants.
Arts
The Chinese carved ceremonial bronze work that connects with the Shang religion.
The religion states that animals and other nature spirits, which include the family ancestors spirits, determined the future, so they would sculpt/carve certain animals or figures to improve their futures.
Also, they created at system of writing that is the foundation of the Chinese written language.
Some of the Chinese characters are based on what they mean, so some characters have parts of them that look similar to the animal or object that they are writing.
They would also carve or write things on the ceremonial oracle bone.
Technology
The writing on the oracle bones contributed to the written language derived from it.
They took early bronze working techniques from the Xia Dynasty and advanced them.
They took imports and adapted them, such as horse-drawn chariots used for the military.
Some of their technology appears to be continued from the Xia Dynasty.
An image comparing the Shang dynasty to other civilizations of its time.
Society
Civilization was highly agrarian, with farmers making up most of the population.
Cities like Anyang, the dynasty's primary capital, were hubs of religion and government, where wealthy aristocrats resided.
Lower level civilians could be put to work on projects like city walls, and even used as human sacrifices on the king's whim.
Wealthy individuals with marital affiliation to the throne acted as governors that monitored individual region's farming.
During its 644 year duration, remnants from the time of the Shang dynasty still remain as testament to it's visionary achievements. One such instance was their advanced bronze-works, which displayed far greater knowledge of metalworking than many comparable civilizations of the time. Intricate religious objects, powerful weaponry, and basic household items like vases have all been uncovered in the dwellings and town buildings of the Shang people. They also believed that each worldly event was a divine intervention, resulting in one of the earliest systems of documented weather, which was recorded on turtle shells in a language referred to as 'oracle script.'[2] The Shang dynasty is often considered to be the birthplace of much of ancient Chinese culture, and with its powerful contributions
Ancient China (Shang Dynasty)
1766-1122 B.C.The Shang dynasty began its reign in 1766, when the Xia dynasty was overthrown by one of its own, who had become dissatisfied with the way the empire was ruling. We have been able to discover so much about this dynasty due to its being one of the earliest with archaeological remnants. With the help of religious bronze artifacts and oracle bones excavated from homes, storage pits, and tombs, we have a greater understanding of the manner in which the ancient Chinese conducted their day-to-day lives, and of the GREATS that comprised their society.
Government
Religion
Economy
Arts
- The Chinese carved ceremonial bronze work that connects with the Shang religion.
- The religion states that animals and other nature spirits, which include the family ancestors spirits, determined the future, so they would sculpt/carve certain animals or figures to improve their futures.
- Also, they created at system of writing that is the foundation of the Chinese written language.
- Some of the Chinese characters are based on what they mean, so some characters have parts of them that look similar to the animal or object that they are writing.
- They would also carve or write things on the ceremonial oracle bone.
TechnologySociety
During its 644 year duration, remnants from the time of the Shang dynasty still remain as testament to it's visionary achievements. One such instance was their advanced bronze-works, which displayed far greater knowledge of metalworking than many comparable civilizations of the time. Intricate religious objects, powerful weaponry, and basic household items like vases have all been uncovered in the dwellings and town buildings of the Shang people. They also believed that each worldly event was a divine intervention, resulting in one of the earliest systems of documented weather, which was recorded on turtle shells in a language referred to as 'oracle script.'[2] The Shang dynasty is often considered to be the birthplace of much of ancient Chinese culture, and with its powerful contributions
All information acquired from ABC-Clio unless otherwise cited
[1]"Shang Dynasty." Appleton Area School District. Web. 24 Sept. 2010. <http://www.aasd.k12.wi.us/Staff/Hermansenjoel/World%20History%20Files/China/dynasty/wilson.htm>
[2]"Shang Dynasty." Cary Academy. Cary Academy. Web. <http://project1.caryacademy.org/ChineseHistory/2004/HistoryAmy/new_page_2.htm>.